Overview
Sacred Mountains, Playful Pandas and Neon Skylines – Explore the Spicy Mix of Sichuan and Chongqing
This journey combines some of Sichuan’s most distinctive landscapes. Start in Chengdu, a city known for its relaxed pace, teahouses and UNESCO World Heritage food culture. Then head north to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, featuring alpine lakes and limestone terraces.
Continue west to Siguniang Mountain, an area surrounded by snowy peaks, forests and Tibetan villages. Spend time exploring valleys and enjoy an evening of stargazing under clear mountain skies. Return to Chengdu to visit the giant pandas before ending your journey in Chongqing, a lively riverside city famous for its steep streets, illuminated skyline and spicy hotpot.
Highlights
Jiuzhaigou National Park — Explore forested valleys, clear alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls connected by wooden walkways.
Huanglong — Visit thelimestone terraces of turquoise pools surrounded by alpine forests and mountain peaks.
Siguniang — Spend time in valleys where rivers, meadows and spruce forests stretch out beneath snow-capped peaks.
Giant Panda Research Base— Watch giant pandas and red pandas at play in beautifully laid out park.
Chongqing — Experience a city built across steep hillsides at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Itinerary
Pick-up time: depending on your time of arrival
Welcome to Chengdu. Your English-speaking guide and driver will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you could take a gentle walk through one of Chengdu’s historic neighbourhoods, visit a local teahouse, or take time to relax after your journey. Chengdu is known for its easy-going atmosphere, making it an ideal place to begin your trip through Southwest China.
Meals
–
Transportation
Car
Altitude
500m
Traveltime
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport → Chengdu: 0,5 hrs (20 km)
Chengdu Tianfu Airport → Chengdu: 1,25 hrs (70 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery
10:00
After breakfast, travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. The journey combines a high-speed train ride of approximately 1.5 hours with a transfer by private vehicle to your hotel near the national park.
As the landscape changes from the Sichuan Basin to forested mountain valleys, you will notice Tibetan villages appearing along the route. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to rest and adjust to the higher elevation before exploring the local area.
Pick-up time:
10:00
Drop-off time:
14:00 – 15:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
500 m – 2000 m
Traveltime
1,5 hrs (400 km)
0,5 hrs (20 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
09:00
Today explore Jiuzhaigou National Park. Aquamarine lakes, waterfalls and forested valleys stretch across the reserve, with wooden pathways making it easy to explore different sections of the park.
In the morning, follow the trail through Rize Valley, which takes you past alpine lakes whose colours range from turquoise to deep blue. Then, in the afternoon, follow the trail leading through Suzheng Valley to visit the Five Flower Lake, Sparkling Lake and Pearl Waterfalls.
After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening in the mountains.
Pick-up time:
09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2000 m
Traveltime
0,5 hrs (10 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures may change quickly at high altitude.
09:00
After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Huanglong Scenic Area.
Huanglong is known for its terraces of mineral-rich pools that cascade down the mountainside in shades of turquoise and gold. You can take the cable car uphill to the scenic area and walk down at a comfortable pace to appreciate the scenery.
In the afternoon, continue to your hotel and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Pick-up time:
09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2000 m
Traveltime
2 hrs (100 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures may change quickly at high altitude.
09:00
After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Huanglong Scenic Area.
Huanglong is known for its terraces of mineral-rich pools that cascade down the mountainside in shades of turquoise and gold. You can take the cable car uphill to the scenic area and walk down at a comfortable pace to appreciate the scenery.
In the afternoon, continue to your hotel and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Pick-up time:
09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2000 m
Traveltime
2 hrs (100 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures may change quickly at high altitude.
09:00
Spend the day exploring Siguniang Mountain National Park.
After breakfast, visit Shuangqiao Valley, featuring wide views to the snow-capped peaks. Follow the boardwalk through the valley past rivers fed by snow melt, and yaks grazing in the meadows.
In the late afternoon, continue to Changping Valley to watch the sun set over the valley. On suitable nights, this is a good place for stargazing. There may be opportunity to join a Tibetan circle dance in the evening.
Pick-up time:
09:00
Drop-off time:
19:00 – 20:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3000 m
Traveltime
0,5 hrs (10 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures may change quickly at high altitude.
- Siguniang Mountain National Park sits at an altitude of approximately 3,000 metres and we recommend you take it slowly for the remainder of the day, to allow your body to adjust to the elevation. Drink plenty of water and enjoy an early evening.
09:00
After breakfast, depart Siguniang and return to Chengdu. The drive takes approximately three and a half to five hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Arriving in Chengdu in the afternoon leaves time to relax or explore independently. You can visit a local teahouse, wander through People’s Park, or sample Sichuan snacks in one of the city’s old streets.
Pick-up time:
10:00
Drop-off time:
16:00 – 17:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3000 m – 500 m
– Traveltime
3,5 – 5 hrs (215 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
09:00
This morning, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas are generally most active in the early hours of the day, climbing, eating bamboo or resting in shaded enclosures.
In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chongqing. After arriving in Chongqing, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city. For dinner, you can try the well-known Chongqing spicy hotpot.
Pick-up time:
09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
500 m – 240 m
Traveltime
1 hrs (20 km)
1 hrs (320 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
11:00
In the morning, head to Luohan Temple in the heart of Chongqing. The stark contrast between the historic wooden temple and the surrounding skyscrapers creates an interesting scene.
Visit Kuixing Square to experience the layered design of the mountain city. When standing in the square you may feel like you are on the ground floor, however when you look over the edge, you discover that you are actually on the 22nd floor!
In the afternoon, visit Xiahaoli, a steep hillside neighborhood overlooking the river. The area has many alleys to explore with charming shops and cafes.
In the evening you can take a stroll down to the riverside next to Qiansimen Bridge and across from Hongya Cave, a magnificent 11-story stilt-building complex known for its illuminated night views. This is an ideal place to watch the buildings gradually light up in bright neon colors.
Pick-up time:
11:00
Drop-off time:
19:00 – 20:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
240 m
Traveltime
1 hrs (20 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
Pick-up time: According to your schedule
Your final day is flexible and depends on your departure time.
If your flight or train leaves later in the day, there may be time to visit a local market, enjoy a final bowl of Chongqing noodles, or simply take a leisurely walk through the surrounding neighbourhoods.
At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Sichuan and Chongqing and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Pick-up time:
According to your schedule
Drop-off time:
Pick-up time: According to your schedule
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
240 m
Traveltime
0,5 hrs (26 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
Accomodation
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Inclusions & Exclusions
- 9 nights of economy, comfort, superior or luxury accommodation, shared room with breakfast
- Transportation: gas, tolls, parking fees and any additional pick-ups and drop-offs
- High-speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali and Shangri-La to Kunming (2nd class seats)
- Local experienced English-speaking tour guides
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 9 breakfasts
- 2 half-liter bottles of drinking water per person per day
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed
- Supplement for the meals for the tour guide and driver
- 24/7 English-speaking customer service
- Government taxes
- Chinese visa
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the program (lunch, dinner)
- Dynamic Yunnan Show discount tickets (please mention which category you prefer if you are interested: VVIP = USD 100, VIP = USD 77, Luxury = USD 59, Standard = USD 44, Budget = USD 33)
- Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters, for instance, land slides or flooding.
- Single room supplement if the guest requests a private room in the hotel (If you prefer a private room or if there is no one else in your group to share with, a single room supplement will apply.
- Possible surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for drivers and guides (highly appreciated but not requested)
- Anything not listed in inclusions
Frequently asked questions
Spring and autumn generally offer mild temperatures and clear views of the mountains. Jiuzhaigou is particularly stunning in autumn as the autumn colors contrast with the aquamarine and emerald green lakes. Summer is the rainy season and brings greener landscapes and heavier rainfall. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit, featuring snowy landscapes in the mountain regions. However, some trails may be closed due to heavy snowfall.
Most of the activities on this tour involve light walking on mostly even terrain. Some days include longer drives and destinations above 2,500 meters which can be challenging for some children and older travelers.
The amount of walking on this tour can be adjusted as the scenic areas offer a mix of boardwalks and shuttle buses with optional trails.
Important information
- Single Supplement. The price listed is for two people sharing one room. If you require a private room or if there is no one else in the group to share a room with, a single room supplement will apply. The single supplement fee is outlined in our price list.
- Driver and guide working hours. The daily working time for driver and tour guide during this tour is maximum 10 hours per day. Overtime working hours will be charged extra.
- Tipping drivers and tour guides is custom in China. We recommend giving 50-80 RMB (7 – 10 USD) per day to the driver and 80-130 RMB (10 – 15 USD) per day to your tour guide.
- Weather. During the summer months (June to September) Yunnan has a rainy season. It won’t be raining 24/7, but we recommend bringing a small umbrella that fits in a backpack.
- Accommodation. The hotels in the itinerary are the recommended hotels, if they are fully booked during your travel period, we will book alternative hotels in the same price/quality range. We book different hotels on request too, but a surcharge might be needed.
- Children & Accommodation. Please note that except for luxury hotels, in many hotels family rooms only have space for one child, but it could be possible to book an extra mattress in some hotels. Please contact us for more information when travelling with a family.
- Meals. Lunches at authentic, quality local restaurants are not included. Your guide can recommend quality authentic places for you. If you have preferences or dietary requirements such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, vegan or gluten-free, please tell your tour guide in advance. Your tour guide will normally not order spicy food or meat/fish with bones unless asked for.
